Researchers from Ohio Sate University say that venting to a pal about your latest stress or annoyance will only make you feel worse about it.

"Venting is not an effective strategy for anyone trying to cope with daily stress, whether they have perfectionistic tendencies or not," said social psychologist Brad J. Bushman, one of the researchers. "Research clearly shows that venting increases rather than decreases stress."

A better way to cope? The experts give these researched-backed strategies:

Accept it, and move on.

Laugh it off.

Look for the positive in the situation.

Are you a venter? Does it help? Oddly, I find that it does help me cope. Talking through stress is the #1 way, other than sleep, that helps me get through hard times.